The best traffic-free bike rides around Chissey-En-Morvan

There are around 40 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Chissey-En-Morvan area. These routes are designed to offer serene cycling experiences away from vehicular traffic, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Morvan Regional Natural Park.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is beautiful throughout the year, but for touring cycling, spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) generally offer the most pleasant conditions. During these seasons, the weather is mild, the landscapes are vibrant with either blooming flora or rich autumnal colors, and the routes are less crowded than in peak summer. Summer can also be excellent, but be prepared for warmer temperatures, especially in July and August.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring routes in the region are circular, allowing you to start and end your journey in the same location. For example, you can explore the Cussy-en-Morvan – Col de la croix d'Allye loop from Lucenay-l'Évêque, which offers a moderate challenge. Another option is the more demanding Boardwalk at Lac du Crescent – Settons Lake loop from Moux-en-Morvan, which circles two of the Morvan's beautiful lakes.

The no-traffic routes around Chissey-En-Morvan traverse a diverse "middle-mountain" landscape. You'll encounter rolling hills, dense forests often referred to as the "green lung of Burgundy," and numerous picturesque lakes like Lac des Settons and Lac de Pannecière. Many routes follow rivers and streams, offering varied and scenic views throughout your ride.

While many routes in the Morvan feature rolling hills, there are options that cater to varying fitness levels. The region offers routes with mostly paved surfaces, ideal for a more relaxed pace. For instance, the Les champs blancs – Col d'en Moulu loop from Cussy-en-Morvan is a moderate route that provides a good introduction to the area's terrain without being overly strenuous.

Many routes pass by or near notable attractions. You can find scenic spots like the Wooden Footbridge on the Lake or the Footbridge with lake view, offering beautiful vistas. Some routes also lead to points of interest such as the Col de la Croix de Chèvre or the Crossing the Settons Dam. The region also boasts historic towns like Autun and Saulieu, which are accessible by bike.

Yes, the Morvan Regional Natural Park is home to longer routes suitable for multi-day touring. The "Grande Traversée du Morvan (GTM)" is a well-known route, originally for mountain biking but also excellent for gravel bikes, covering over 400km through forests and along lakes. There are also "Morvan by Bike" tours, including a 370km "sporty" inner tour and a 316km "touristic" outer tour, connecting to regional cycle routes for extended, car-free adventures.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 80 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the stunning natural scenery of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, and the variety of terrain that caters to different cycling preferences, all while enjoying the peace of car-free paths.

Yes, many villages and popular lake areas within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, such as Moux-en-Morvan or Cussy-en-Morvan, offer designated parking areas that serve as convenient starting points for cycling routes. These spots are typically well-situated to access the network of dedicated cycling paths.

While public transport options directly to the smaller villages within the Morvan can be limited, regional buses and trains connect to larger towns like Autun or Saulieu. From these towns, you may need to cycle a short distance to reach the dedicated no-traffic routes. It's advisable to check local transport schedules and bike carriage policies in advance.

Absolutely. The Morvan is famous for its six large man-made lakes, and many no-traffic cycling routes circle these bodies of water. The Champeau Pond – Saint-Agnan Pond loop from Moux-en-Morvan is an example of a route that takes you past beautiful ponds. Lac des Settons and Lac de Pannecière are particularly popular for water sports and offer designated swimming areas, making them perfect spots to cool off during your ride.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Morvan's "middle-mountain" landscape offers routes with significant elevation gain. Many of the 24 difficult routes in the area will test your endurance. The Settons Lake – Settons Lake Dam loop from Cussy-en-Morvan, for example, is a difficult route that provides both scenic beauty and a good workout.